Everyone belongs here.
Since 1971, Somerville Adventure Playground has been a place where children and young people play, create, take risks and be themselves. We believe every child deserves that, whatever their background, identity, ability or circumstances.
At Somerville we work to actively to challenge discrimination and remove the barriers that stop young people taking part.
Our commitment
We are committed to treating every child, family, volunteer and staff member fairly and with respect. We will not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, or marriage and civil partnership, as set out in the Equality Act 2010.
We also recognise that poverty, class, housing and school exclusion shape children’s lives and opportunities, so we take these into account in everything we do.
How we remove barriers
- Free to attend.
- Our sessions are free, so cost is never a reason to miss out
- Support for children with SEND.
- We adapt activities, work closely with families and make sure staff are trained to support children with additional needs.
- A fresh start for every child.
- Young people who have been excluded from school are welcome here, and we focus on all their talents and not on labels that
- An accessible space
- Our building is step-free access with accessible toilets and facilities
- Food when we can.
- Many of the young people we work with are growing up in households under financial pressure, and it’s hard to play, learn or concentrate when you’re hungry. Whenever we’re able to, we provide food at sessions, and we use produce from our own kitchen garden where possible. Sharing a meal also brings young people together and helps everyone feel part of the Somerville community.
A team that knows this community
Several of our youth workers first came to Somerville as children themselves. Many families have attended across three generations, from grandparents to grandchildren. Our team brings lived experience of the community we serve, and that shapes how we work every day.
We are a London Living Wage employer, and we recruit fairly and openly.
Young people lead the way
We believe young people are experts in their own lives. Through Somerville Rising our peer-led youth voice and community research project, young people shape what we offer, research the issues that matter to them and have a real say in Somerville’s future.
Training and accountability
- All staff complete training in equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding and supporting children with SEND.
- We challenge discriminatory language and behaviour whenever it happens, and we help young people understand why it matters.
- Incidents are recorded and reviewed, and our Board of Trustees oversees our equality practice.
Our policies
In their words
“Here I feel understood in this community. Here I could come and play, no hatred, welcoming no matter who you were, who you identified with. It was like having a whole new family”
Somerville Participant 2025
Raising a concern
If you experience or witness discrimination at Somerville, please tell us. You can speak to any member of staff, or contact Kirsty Collander-Brown at kirsty.cb@somerville-online.org.uk. Every concern will be taken seriously and handled confidentially.